This years 8th edition of the Tipperary Star Awards took place on Friday, 7th March in the Horse & Jockey Inn. An enjoyable evening was had by all in attendance as we acknowledged the hard work and achievements of our athletes and clubs in 2024. The success speaks for itself and we would like to congratulate all our award recipient’s, their coaches, clubs but also commend all our athletes who enjoy Athletics and look forward to following them on their journey in 2025.  Below is a copy of the booklet and also links to photography from Martin Ryan (Thank you Martin), Google photos from the nights slide show and of Co. Board President John Flynn who was inducted into the Hall of Fame on the night. It was a special evening for John and his family and club who greatly appreciated the support from the wider athletic community. Below is a testament written by Eibhlis Purcell, thank you Eibhlis for the fitting words, showcasing John’s contribution throughout his life… to date!

Hall of Fame Award 2024

This year’s recipient of the Tipperary Star Awards, Hall of Fame Award, is John Flynn of Moyne Athletic Club. John has been part of the athletics scene since he first captured the County Novice Cross Country title in 1965 in Holycross and despite the passing of 60 years, he has continued to dedicate his life to athletics.

 

That title in 1965 was the start of a stellar athletics career. In that year alone he finished 3^rd in the County Junior in Ballynonty, 11^th in the Munster Youths in Kenmare, winning his first Munster medal part of the Tipperary team that finished 3^rd, and captured his first national medal in Navan, at the All-Ireland Youths Championship as part of the Tipperary County team that finished 3^rd, John himself finishing in 19^th overall – not bad for a 17 year old athlete. John continued his excellent performances into the following years with individual medals in the County Youths, U23, Junior and Intermediate Championships along with Munster and National medals with Tipperary at Novice and Junior level. A very consistent performer at County level saw him also finish 6^th (1967 Two-Mile-Borris), 3^rd (1968 Golden) and 4^th (1969 Knockavilla) in the County Senior Cross Country but he had to wait until 1977 to claim the coveted club team title with Moyne. This was the start of a four-year dominance by Moyne and John was a member of all four successful teams. In 1977 Moyne AC won the County 5-mile road championship, in 1984 Moyne AC won the County and Munster Intermediate Cross Country titles and, in each case, John was a pivotal member of these teams. He also never failed to support any Tipperary team and was a member of numerous cross country and road medal winning teams right up to master level where he also performed with distinction, winning many County and Munster individual and team medals. John also had the distinction of capturing the 1,500mts title at the All-Ireland Masters Indoor Championships in Nenagh in 1995 and in 1997 was 2^nd in the 1,500mts and 3^rd in the 800mts again at the National Masters Indoor Championships. While cross country was his first love, John was and is always a club person and whenever a call went out, he never failed to respond, no matter what the terrain.

 

While his athletic career speaks for itself, John has been the “Mr Athletics” of Moyne AC. Back in 1978 John was a guiding light in bringing a ladies section to the club and how this section repaid him over the years – 10 County Senior Cross Country Titles in a Row from 1986/87 to 1996/97, National Novice and Intermediate Cross Country Titles, numerous County Cross Country & Road titles, Munster medallists – but without doubt it was the passion he had that drove these ladies to those heights and continues to drive them to this day. He is involved as a coach to our juvenile athletes and has been instrumental in the success of our U09, U10 and U11 athletes at County, Munster, and National level, particularly at track & field where the U10 Girls 4 x 100mts team won National Gold in 2023. He continues to be a driving force behind our senior athletes, encouraging and supporting and instilling pride in the green and gold.

 

He has served on the Committee of the club since 1973 and has held many of the main positions, driving the club forward into the force it is today. He has also served his time on the Committees of Tipperary Athletics and Munster Athletics and is currently Moyne AC club President and Tipperary Athletics President. John can be found down at “the track” most nights of the week such is his fondness for athletics. No doubt the facilities the club boasts today goes down to the sheer energy and effort put in by John. John has also been recognised nationally, in 2007 he was one of eight inaugural winners of a National Award for Volunteers in Sport and presented with his trophy by the then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism at a reception in Farmleigh House.

 

Moyne AC is John Flynn and speaking to any local about the club, the first name mentioned is John. That also goes for many of the athletic fraternity around the County and Country. So many athletes have passed through the club, but their one abiding memory is the support he has given them, the confidence he has instilled in them and the great memories travelling to all corners of the Country and of course the success. The club are delighted to join in with Tipperary Athletics in acknowledging this Award. Congratulations John. A very well-deserved accolade and here is to many more years of coaching and being a guiding light for the club.

 

Google Photos Slide Show: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fNuiysUfywzEiQYS6

John Flynn: https://photos.app.goo.gl/gGDTvTueY1QSNaei7

Martin Ryan: https://photos.app.goo.gl/1d2rAaKzT8zMwSqKA

Awards Booklet: Tipp Star Awards Booklet 2024